Big opportunities in LatAm for mobile game devs, says AppLift study

Mobile games are the fastest growing sector of the videogame market and Latin America is the fastest growing market for mobile game developers, according to a new study from game monetisation company AppLift and videogame market research firm Newzoo.

The study proves what most of us already knew for a while now: mobile ecosystems are becoming the de-facto videogaming platforms. According to AppLift, revenues generated by mobile games will account for over a quarter (27%) of the games market by the end of this year – a total of $21 billion. Meanwhile monthly mobile games revenues are forecast to surpass those generated by TV and handheld consoles combined during 2015.

For mobile developers looking for new opportunities, Latin America is the fastest growing market, according to the study, with a year-on-year growth rate of 60% between 2013 and 2014, and 50% growth projected over the next three years. AppLift says no other region comes close to LatAm in terms of growth potential (you can check out our own guide to marketing your app in Latin America right here).

AppLift/Newzoo infographic on the state of the mobile game market (click to expand)

AppLift also says Latin America is showing solid growth when it comes to the value of users, which has perhaps held back some western publishers from expanding to the region in the past. Average spend per user per month isn’t great but it rose from $0.52 in 2013 to $0.74 in 2014, while average CPIs remained relatively low between $1.51 (iOS) and $0.76 (Android) for Brazil and Mexico and $1.17 and $0.45 for other LatAm countries.

Asia Pacific remains the largest market for games worldwide, with revenue estimated at $12.2 billion for the region, while North America is the best region when it comes to high value users, according to AppLift, with average monthly spend per paying mobile gamer at $6.21.

So, if you’re looking for fast growth with cheap CPIs go for Latin America. If you want high paying users stick with the US.